The MEGOBARI Act is a foreign policy bill designed to support democracy and the rule of law in Georgia while addressing concerns about democratic backsliding and increasing Russian and Chinese influence in the country. The bill expresses strong U.S. support for Georgia's constitutional aspirations to join the European Union and NATO, and establishes a comprehensive framework of sanctions, reporting requirements, and diplomatic measures to pressure the Georgian government to strengthen democratic institutions, protect civil society, and reduce ties with Russia and China. The legislation reflects Congressional concern that Georgia's current government has become increasingly hostile to independent civil society and Western partners while strengthening relationships with authoritarian regimes.
Key Points
- 1Sanctions Authority: The President must impose visa bans and asset freezes on Georgian government officials, parliament members, and political party leaders who have engaged in corruption or blocked Euro-Atlantic integration since 2014, as well as their immediate family members who benefited from such conduct.
- 2Intelligence and Strategy Reports: The bill requires classified reports on Russian and Chinese intelligence penetration in Georgia within 180 days, and a comprehensive 5-year U.S. strategy for bilateral relations within 90 days that reassesses Georgia's funding levels and U.S. investment priorities.
- 3Suspension of Strategic Partnership: Congress calls for suspending the U.S.-Georgia Strategic Partnership Commission until Georgia demonstrates commitment to democracy and Euro-Atlantic integration.
- 4Support for Democratic Values: The bill emphasizes U.S. commitment to supporting Georgia's civil society, independent media, free elections, and the right to peaceful protest, while calling for investigation of alleged election interference in October 2024.
- 5Conditional Assistance Enhancement: Military cooperation and people-to-people exchanges can be expanded if Georgia demonstrates significant progress toward democracy and Euro-Atlantic alignment, particularly through reforming its foreign influence law.